IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishwilly-nilly
Meaning: Whether one wants it or not; also, in a disorganized way.
Example: “Willy-nilly, every student had to learn the poem by heart.”
Origin: A worn-down form of the Old English "will he, nill he," meaning "whether he wants to or not" ("nill" being the old negative of "will"). It is recorded in this form from the 17th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: de grado o por fuerza Literally: Of grace or by force
More English idioms
- one's heart sinks To feel sudden disappointment or dread.
- shoulder to shoulder Side by side, working together.
- grow like wildfire To spread very fast.
- at the stroke of a pen By one quick official decision.
- not on your life Absolutely not.
- tread carefully To act with great caution in a delicate situation.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Es un/una pesado/a A dreadful bore — their company feels like carrying extra weight.
- Más terco/a que una mula Hopelessly obstinate — no argument, fact, or force of nature will shift their position.
- Pareces un pulpo en un garaje You're completely out of place — flailing around uselessly in an environment that makes n…
Keep exploring